Statement of Ted Turner on 2013 Nobel Peace Prize Awardee

UN Foundation Founder and Chairman highlights role of global organizations in promoting peace

Washington, D.C. —
October 11, 2013

United Nations Foundation Founder and Chairman Ted Turner released the following statement on today’s announcement that the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

“The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons performs vital and courageous work to move us toward a world without chemical weapons. Its efforts to put an end to these deadly and horrific weapons strengthen global security.

“As we’ve seen recently in Syria, chemical weapons are not just a threat of the past, but a clear and present danger. In close cooperation with the United Nations and under UN Security Council mandate, OPCW is working to rid Syria of its chemical weapons stockpile in dangerous and difficult circumstances. This work is essential and nothing short of heroic. The Nobel Peace Prize strengthens international legitimacy for this effort, which is critical to helping protect OPCW and UN workers in Syria.

“The Nobel Committee decision is a call to action to step up efforts to eliminate chemical weapons. It’s also a powerful statement about the essential role that international organizations play in promoting global peace and security.

“In this interdependent world, our fates and futures are tied together, which is why we must support global organizations like OPCW and the UN in their important work on peace, security, and human progress. There is no greater legacy that we can leave our children and grandchildren than a peaceful and safer world.”

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About The United Nations Foundation

The United Nations Foundation builds public-private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and broadens support for the United Nations through advocacy and public outreach. Through innovative campaigns and initiatives, the Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The Foundation was created in 1998 as a U.S. public charity by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner and now is supported by global corporations, foundations, governments, and individuals. For more information, visit www.unfoundation.org.